The cynic in me might almost believe that the current UK government would prefer to fail to get a deal in loud public spectacle with a foreign government that gets them lots of newspaper coverage over quietly coming to a deal that is good for its citizens. But surely no politician would ever be that cynical.
Some quotes: "Unfriendly action from the British"
"Norway's entry into the negotiations has been the maintenance of the traditional and historical fishing patterns Norwegian fishermen have had in British waters.
- The British have responded with a number of demands and conditions that are not in line with this, and which it was impossible for Norway to accept. "
"- The lack of concessions on zone access came as a bit of a surprise to us"
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